Donald Thomas Pearson died peacefully October 30, 2026, on Devil’s Eve. Seems fitting for a mischievous rascal like Don. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Jennifer Thomas (2017); his parents, Alfred and Marie Pearson; his birth mother, Marion Miller; brother Thomas F. Pearson; his sister, Mary Margaret Miller; and his niece, Amy Ayers. He will be forever remembered by his loving partner, Ellie Sly. He was truly loved by his brothers, Mike Pearson (Connie), John Miller (Jan), and his sisters, Sharon Helson (Tom), Madeline Miller (Andy), Patricia Coffman (Butch), and Helene Miller (Rino), as well as many nieces and nephews and wonderful cousins. Don inherited Ellie’s loving family, Maryann Sly-Kensley (Adrian), Bill Sly (Alesha), A.J. Sly (Steven), as well as many grandchildren and the big ball of white fur, Manny. He couldn’t have been happier. Special lifelong friend Fred Salisbury will miss his birthday phone call. We are sure Fred could tell us a few stories. Don grew up in the village of BeaverDams and even went to the one-roomed school house there. He joined the navy in 1958 and saw the world for 3 years. He started work with CN and retired as an engineer with VIA Rail. He moved to Peacock Point and, in his retirement, spent many years wintering in Florida, enjoying the Blue Jays there. Halloween was a fun time for him. He loved dressing up in eccentric, sometimes controversial, costumes. He enjoyed a good time. He loved to golf, doing crosswords, and getting together with family and friends. He dedicated many years working to restore the HMCS Haida. It was so dear to his heart. He was President of the Peacock Point Cottage Owners Association. For many years, he made sure the residents had clean water. He was a member of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. He was doing his best to fly up in every plane there – Lancaster, Dakota, Catalina, Mitchell, and more. Some of them twice. At 80 years of age, the family was certain senility kicked in when Don decided to go skydiving for the first time. He loved it so much that he even went a second time with his great-nephew Alex, 50 years younger. Donald certainly lived life to the fullest. He was a generous man. Always there for family, friends, and the community. You could always count on him. We will miss our beloved brother, uncle, partner, friend. We are pleased he found such happiness with Ellie. We are so happy he lived life to the fullest.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Thompson Waters Funeral Home, 102 First Ave., Port Dover (519) 583-1530. As per Don’s wishes, cremation has taken place. The family invites you to join them for a Celebration of Don’s Life on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from the hours of 1 – 4 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 158, 212 Market Street, Port Dover. For those wishing, donations can be made to the Peacock Point Cottage Owners Association.
Rest in peace. Say Hi to everyone for us, please.
